Description

1967 Jaguar 420

Imported to the UK from a dry climate in 2002 and only two owners since; power steering; air con; well-maintained and in regular use

To those in the know, the 420 is perhaps the ultimate classic Jaguar saloon. Bigger and more luxurious than the MkII that it replaced, it also had superior ride and handling thanks to the independent rear suspension borrowed from the E-Type.

The front-end styling was like a scaled down MkX and the 4.2-litre engine was virtually to E-Type spec, producing 245bhp and 283lb/ft of torque. The magic 100mph was comfortably achieved and further refinements included notably quick steering, dual circuit brakes, alternator electrics and a limited-slip differential.
Priced at £2,064 including tax, it was less than half the price of a Bristol 410 Saloon and less than one-third of the price of a T-Series Bentley and yet was arguably the equal of both these cars. Only in production from 1966 to 1968, just 10,236 were produced so it is also comparatively rare.

Dating from 1967, this 420 Automatic spent the first 35 years of its life in sunny South Africa, hence the good state of preservation today. It was imported back to the UK in 2002 and has had just two owners since, our vendor acquiring the car in 2018. As was normal for hot climate cars, the seats are in Ambla rather than leather and have held up very well with few signs of wear. It has power steering and electronic ignition and also benefits from air conditioning with an additional cold air blower on the rear parcel shelf.

A good file of invoices show regular upkeep over the years. In 2012 it had new brake discs and pads all round and an overhaul of the steering and suspension which cost £2,839. A new set of door rubbers and new front and rear windscreen rubbers were also fitted in the same year. More recently it had a new sports coil in 2015, new front seat belts and an oil service in 2018. A new battery has also just been fitted and an original owner’s handbook is also present.
Only lightly used in recent years, eight old MOTs show the mileage rising from 92,915 in 2011 to 93,693 in 2017, the odometer currently showing 93,892 miles. Appearing to be in generally good order throughout with just a couple of minor rust bubbles at the bottom corners of the doors, it is said to have proved very reliable during the current ownership and was driven to the sale, the vendor advising that he has been using the right-hand fuel tank as the pump for the left side packed up a while back.

It has been starting promptly and running well as we have moved it around on site, with good 40psi oil pressure, although we did note that the power steering squeals a bit on full lock.

Documents: V5C; seven old MOTs, handbook; invoices

For more information contact James on 07970 309907 or email james.dennison@brightwells.com